Black Lives Matter March, Downtown Syracuse
Georginna Mareiniss (wife of Joel Mareiniss), Anton Kreuzer, Jimmy Durkin and Chad Motta participated in the Wall of Fame Ceremony prior to the Chiefs v. Bulls (Durham) game this afternoon.
Danielle Ponder, vocalist
We hear that Danielle Ponder & The Tomorrow People came to Syracuse previously and played the Westcott Theater.
How did we miss this band?
Ponder is the lead singer for the neo-soul/funk quintet, and she can be best described as follows: hair like Chaka; dancehall moves like Patra; gut power like Jill Scott; vocal inflection like Regina Bell, all with the bravura of Lauryn Hill. She belted out some original songs, and even did a Billie Holiday version on one cut.
Before the night was over people could be heard screaming from the back: “Danielle Ponder! Danielle Ponder!”
Not to be outdone, or out-shined, the band, made up of Avis Reese (keys), Timm Cash (guitar), Corey Owens (drums) and Carlton Wilcox (bass), were the perfect side order. Their out-of-this-world solos, particularly by Wilcox and Owens, quickly drove the audience onto the dance floor.
The event, which also featured opening band Funk Nut, was produced by CuseCulture Magazine.
Just after midnight Ponder invited poet and actor Reenah Golden onto stage and she free-styled some verse for the mostly millennial audience. We last saw Golden during a one-woman show at Syracuse University’s Drama Department, and her stage presence remains legendary.
Funk n’ Waffles
Last night’s two-hour show is further evidence that Funk n’ Waffles is becoming the go-to spot for a generous whiff of the Downtown Funk Scene.
Nothing goes better with good, foot-stomping music than the aromatic bliss of waffles and maple syrup. We eagerly await this group’s return to the ‘Cuse. Maybe next time they party til breakfast.
Danielle Ponder & The Tomorrow People gave us a surprise near the end of their show last night at Funk n’ Waffles (Downtown). Check this out in case you jetted too early.
Golden Lady from Syracuse in Focus on Vimeo.
Duck and Cover: Lake Festival, Onondaga Lake
Avis Reese, keyboard player for Danielle Ponder & Tomorrow People, went deep in the shed during the band’s performance at Funk n’ Waffle (Downtown) tonight. The show, which also included Funk Nut, was sponsored by Cuse Culture Magazine (concert review to come).
Gov. Cuomo was even gracious in victory after this morning’s Onondaga Cup. He immediately accepted a rematch next year against the Syracuse Team. The race, which featured local personalities and politicians, served as the kick off for Lake Fest. Cuomo extolled the virtues of the rebirth and renewal of Onondaga Lake.
Team Cuomo, and their boat of outdoor enthusiasts, effortlessly rowed away from Willow Bay to begin the Onondaga Cup.
Syracuse Nationals Weekend
Ford Model T (1926) owned by Luciano Fabrizi of Liverpool gained some attention during the Syracuse Nationals weekend. Coming next is the 60th Annual Model T Ford International Summer Tour, which meets in Auburn, NY.